Northern forest to see ATVs, off-road motorcycles for first time
DNR also proposes more trails, but some worry about noise
In a major shift in public use of Wisconsin’s largest state forest, the state Natural Resources Board approved plans on Wednesday for the introduction of all-terrain vehicles for the first time on the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest.
The change is an about-face from past practice and policy, and officials said the move was driven by demographic trends and the growing popularity of ATVs and a similar type of vehicle known as utility task vehicles, or UTVs.
The addition of ATVs was part of numerous changes for the northern forest, including a big increase in the number of biking trails, construction of off-road motorcycle trails and modernizing some campsites with electricity and showers.
The 7-0 vote was a victory for the Wisconsin ATV-UTV Association, which has lobbied for greater access on state properties for years and has worked with community leaders near the forest to enlist their support.
But the decision could lead to user conflicts with advocates of silent sports and nature enthusiasts across a forest system that covers portions of Vilas, Oneida and Iron counties.
Among the changes proposed by Department of Natural Resources staff are:
» Designating up to 205 miles of existing forest roads for use for the first time by ATVs and UTVs.
» Developing up to 36 miles of off-highway motorcycle trails. » Adding up to five miles of hiking trails. » Adding up to 50 miles of mountain biking trails.
» Adding 60 miles of bicycle touring trails. Also, three rustic campgrounds would have modern amenities added such as electricity or flush toilets, or both; and two rustic campgrounds would be designated as quiet zones where no generators or amplified sounds would be permitted.
The move to allow for the use of ATVs contrasts sharply with the actions of the citizen board in 2005 when it approved a master plan for the forest that kept ATVs out.
At the time, proponents pushed for the inclusion of the four-wheeled vehicles, but the agency and board members then were swayed by those who argued against them because of the noise and potential destruction the vehicles can cause. But times have changed. As part of the planning process for making changes to forest’s master plan, officials noted
that ATV use has continued to grow and many local units of government in or near the boundaries of the 232,000-acre forest are now allowing the vehicles on roadways.
Other factors: Many local businesses supported the introduction of ATVs and adding more bicycling trails to attract more visitors to the region. Also, a 2015 state law ordered the DNR to “prepare a plan for allowing the public to use motorized vehicles on the department property.”
DNR spokesman Jim Dick said ATV use in the forest is not expected to start until the spring of 2018, and officials indicated that the rollout will be gradual and coordinated with local units of government that have connecting roadways.
The agency’s budget constraints will also dictate the pace of the changes.
In 2012, the DNR identified $285 million in long-term infrastructure needs for the state parks system. Ben Bergey, the parks director, said recently those figures will be revised.
Officials also acknowledge the change with ATVs, and the addition of trails for off-road motorcycles, will lead to more noise and congestion in the forest and potential conflicts with those looking a quieter experience.
Those appearing at Wednesday’s meeting in Madison all spoke favorably of the changes.
But in an interview, Mike McFadzen of Sheboygan, a member of State Trails Council who also handles policy issues for the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks, raised concerns.
He backs the addition of bike trails, but with the introduction of ATVs, “it’s going to be difficult to find a place where you are not going to hear a motor,” he said. “If you are a hiker or a trout fisherman, you may not like that.”
The use of ATVs and UTVs might expand even further. Board member Greg Kazmierski proposed allowing the vehicles to be used on designated forest roads now closed during the hunting season to allow hunters and likely others to use those roads. Board members agreed to allow the vehicles during hunting season.
On other matters, Gov. Scott Walker announced on Wednesday that Rhinelander has been selected as the new headquarters for the DNR’s forestry operations. The 2017-’19 budget called for moving the headquarters from Madison to a city in northern Wisconsin.
The chief state forester and other members of the forestry leadership team will move to the DNR service center in Rhinelander by Jan. 1.